Most wedding dresses come home from the reception looking fine. A little dust on the hem, perhaps a splash of champagne. It is tempting to hang it in the wardrobe and deal with it later. Here is why it is worth acting within the first few weeks, and how to store the dress once it is clean.
Why sooner is better
Some of the most damaging marks on a wedding dress are invisible on the day. Champagne, white wine, sweat and sugary drinks dry clear. Over months, the sugars in them oxidise and turn yellow or brown, much like a cut apple. By the time you can see the mark it is far harder to remove, and on silk it may be permanent.
Cleaning within a few weeks of the wedding gives the best chance of a clean, even result.
What to do before you bring it in
- Do not try to scrub stains at home. Rubbing can spread the mark and damage delicate fabric or beading.
- Hang the dress by its inner loops, not the shoulders, so the weight does not pull the fabric out of shape.
- Make a note of anything you know was spilled, such as red wine, lipstick or grass. It helps us choose the right treatment.
- Bring any detachable parts, such as a belt, sash or train loop, so everything can be cleaned together.
How we clean a wedding dress
Every dress is inspected first, seam by seam. Beading, sequins and lace are checked for loose threads, and the hem is examined for ground-in dirt from the dance floor. Stains are treated individually before the dress is cleaned using a process chosen for its fabric. It is then pressed and finished by hand.
How to store it afterwards
- Acid-free tissue and box. Ordinary tissue and cardboard contain acids that can yellow fabric over time.
- No plastic. Plastic covers trap moisture, which can lead to mildew and yellowing.
- Cool, dark and dry. A wardrobe shelf or under a bed is better than a loft or garage, where temperature and damp change through the year.
- Check it once a year. Open the box, look it over and refold it along different lines to avoid permanent creases.
Bring it to Cold Bath Road
We clean and box wedding dresses for brides across Harrogate and the surrounding area. See our wedding dress service or call us on 01423 508568.